President Donald Trump has stirred controversy by declaring that pardons issued by Joe Biden during his presidency are “void” because they were signed using an autopen.
The autopen, a mechanical device that replicates signatures, has been used by numerous U.S. presidents for decades to sign official documents, including legislation and correspondence.
However, Trump’s challenge has sparked discussions about its legitimacy in granting pardons.
Trump specifically referred to pardons Biden granted to members of the Jan. 6 Select Committee and others, suggesting Biden either did not personally authorize the pardons or had no knowledge of them.
On social media, Trump declared the pardons “void, vacant, and of no further force or effect” due to the autopen’s use, amplifying a narrative that questions Biden’s involvement in these decisions.
Legal experts, however, dismiss Trump’s claims.
The U.S. Constitution grants presidents broad powers to issue pardons, with no stipulation that signatures must be handwritten.
Historical precedent supports the validity of autopen-signed documents; as early as 2011, President Barack Obama used an autopen to sign legislation.
Experts argue that a pardon’s legality depends on the intent and authority of the president, not the method used for signing.
While Trump’s statements have been characterized as symbolic and without legal standing, they resonate with his base and underscore tensions between the two administrations.
Biden, who issued these pardons late in his presidency, intended them as protective measures for individuals who investigated Trump during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot hearings.
The debate now highlights both the enduring power of presidential clemency and the political fallout it can generate.
The controversy reflects the larger polarization in American politics and raises intriguing questions about procedural norms and the symbolic weight of presidential acts.
Whether this challenge evolves into a broader legal battle or remains a rhetorical complaint remains to be seen.
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was originally published on
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